I have to push the clutch pedal on my 98 all the way to the floor to get it to shift and when the engine is cold it won't go into first at all. I couldn't say how long this has been going on as I just got this 4runner a month ago. I know absolutely nothing about mechanics and unless it's a super easy fix I will more than likely have to take it in to be repaired but I'd like to at least have a rough idea why it's doing this so I don't get taken. Being a girl, mechanics see me coming and all they see is a big fat $!!!!
(My apologies to those of you that may have seen this post on another forum already!)

 

Oh, it's a 98 4runner, sorry. I'd posted it previously on a 4runner only site : )

 

You can try adjusting the clutch and or bleeding it if you think it might have been run low on fluid. there are links on this site for the fsm. Sometimes you can go from reverse to first to get it in gear. We done this on a farm truck for a long time before it was sold. If none of this works it may need a clutch. I guess you should check for leaks and the fluid level in the clutch master cyl first.

 

The clutch release fork on my '98 Taco cracked and it made it so I had to push the pedal all the way to the floor to get it to shift. It felt like the clutch was not releasing completely, even with the clutch pedal mashed to the floor. Just another something to keep in mind. Although you would need to separate the tranny and motor to check it...

Regarding not being able to shift into first when its cold, will it not shift at all into first, or do you need to let the rpm's drop below say 1500 or so before it lets you shift into first? If the latter, then mine does that form time to time even when its not cold. A fluid change usually takes care of it.

 

I'm good at the obvious questions so.....
You did check the fluid level? (by the master cylinder, little reservoir on the firewall, be careful, it's brake fluid, if it drips wash them off with water after you've got the cap back on, don't get water in the reservoir)

Hang around here long enough and you'll be able to throw terms around to keep the service writers unhappy. Heck, hang around here long enough and you might be doing some of this stuff yourself......

 

x2 on checking the clutch fluid level. I had this problem on my Civic, slow leak in the reservoir, topped it off and it was good as new. You may need to pump the clutch pedal a few times to work out any bubbles in the system. I would check it again after you've had a chance to drive it around and see if it needs additional topping up.